Artist: Lunaris
Label: Earache Records
Release Date: 11/12/02
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Title: ...the Infinite Artist: Lunaris Label: Earache Records Release Date: 11/12/02 |
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Go to Reader Reviews | ||
Abyss's Review:
Basically if you get together members of Borknagar, Spiral Architect and Satyricon, and put them together in the studio, you'll have no idea what to expect, other than something 'out there'. Well that's what Lunaris is, and while ...The Infinite is definitely a strange little slab of metal, it's undeniably good. Like much of the avant-garde/progressive metal that has evolved from early Viking metal, this stuff is at once challenging and exhilarating for those with the patience to get to know it.
"From start to finish this album is an epic journey. At times brutal, at times astral, it is anything but obvious." From start to finish this album is an epic journey. At times brutal, at times astral, it is anything but obvious. It challenges the listener not only to pay attention, but also to try to understand. The influence of Borknagar is the most obvious of the contributors, especially in the clean vocal passages and the overall structure. But this beast is far more black metal than that of its brethren, injecting an icy cold scream at times that reminds one of scary things in the forest. The sound is at once organic and mechanic, almost a sonic cyborg, as its numerous layers seem to conflict with its rawness.
The whole album can be characterized that way, a never-ending game of ebb and flow. Thrust and parry. My only real problem with this album is that sometimes I think it reaches too far. Ambition is a beautiful thing, but the band loses me with some of the sounds they employ. The keyboards sometimes drift into synthetic pop sounds that remind me of bad (or at least annoying) New Wave, and while the composition underneath is strong, the end result suffers due to poor judgment from an engineering standpoint. Of course, that's just personal opinion, as others might feel these sounds are groundbreaking and invigorating. But songs like "Growth Denied" just get me asking, "Why?" Just like when Halle Berry spends her whole career avoiding sex scenes, and when she finally decides to do one it is with Billy Bob Thorton. Why? But just like that analogy, it's still nice to see Halle naked, and this album is still great to listen to naked... I mean, this album is great to listen to despite the occasional frustration.
"But just like that analogy, it's still nice to see Halle naked, and this album is still great to listen to naked... I mean, this album is great to listen to despite the occasional frustration." Bottom line is that fans of Arcturus, Enslaved, Borknagar, Thryfing and the like will find this album an important addition to their collections. In many ways this is a five-skull album, and part of me wants to give it that perfect score. But alas, a perfect album it is not. One word review: Impressive.
Death's Review:
What if a black metal band actually got progressive? I'm not talking new Emperor, I'm talking full-on prog a la Dream Theater. What the hell would that sound like? Well, Lunaris doesn't quite take things that far with their brand of "progressive, futuristic and punishing astral black/death metal." But these Norwegians, with experience in other bands like Satyricon, Borknagar and Spiral Architect, certainly do know the true meaning of the word musicianship. Buried within atmospheric blackened passages, these bursts of instrumental flurry certainly have the power to turn one's head: "What the heck am I listening to anyway?" Instead of haunted house passages there are legitimate lead keyboard runs! Is this Fates Warning or Cradle of Filth? It is of course neither, it is Lunaris.
"Buried within atmospheric blackened passages, these bursts of instrumental flurry certainly have the power to turn one's head: 'What the heck am I listening to anyway?'"
This is exactly the kind of boundary-pushing adventurousness that is successful with underground metal fans. Bands truly can grow without selling out, and Lunaris are to be applauded for their innovation and the obvious integrity they have in the music that they play. This is not an album to be taken lightly. Alas, as of now, the songs have not revealed themselves to me in a personal way, and I am not as attached to this material as I would have expected to have been by now. Perhaps this music is beyond the short attention span I have for this type of style. There is definitely a lot to discover here. If Borknagar and bands of that ilk are your thing, you'd be stupid not to check this out. If you are looking for something catchy or something to mosh to, stay away.
"This is exactly the kind of boundary-pushing adventurousness that is successful with underground metal fans."
Hel's Review:
Has anyone else noticed the lack of black metal releases lately? I'm not sure if it's coincidence or a true downward turn in the genre, but death metal releases seem to outnumber black about three to one these days. Or perhaps it's because members of several prominent, and presently apparently dormant, bands are currently occupied by their membership in this band? Whatever the case, Lunaris is truly a quality band, and has put out a genuinely worthy album with …the Infinite.
"Whatever the case, Lunaris is truly a quality band, and has put out a genuinely worthy album with …the Infinite."
"In a nutshell, Lunaris is a fun listen." What I like most about Lunaris, and what sets them apart from other bands in the genre, are the abundant examples of traditionally progressive elements that are seamlessly incorporated into the songwriting. Keyboards are used sparingly, to great effect. The guitar work is outstanding, and provides most of the progressive interludes. The vocals pleasantly vary on occasion from the normal black metal screaming, and the drumming is everything it should be. The production is spotty, but that is fairly understandable, considering the constantly shifting nature of the music.
In a nutshell, Lunaris is a fun listen. The album provides a balanced array of black and progressive elements placed together in a truly innovative way. Black metal still fails to be my genre of choice, but I've had an extremely enjoyable time listening to …the Infinite, and I strongly recommend it for anyone who is looking for something a little outside of the box.
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